Are forklift rentals a tool that your business could use? Forklift rentals can provide you with reliable, safe and efficient equipment in times of high demand, when your own equipment needs maintenance or when a special need has presented itself.

Are you in need of a forklift but you don’t know whether you need to rent a forklift rather than buy it? Deciding the procurement method of a forklift can have a lot of long term ramifications on your capital budget, your ROI, and even your operational efficiency. Your concern about making the right decision is well warranted. There are times where renting a forklift makes great sense for a company, but there are other situations where renting a forklift may not be the best option. This list of pros and cons for renting forklifts might help you navigate the complex decision:Continue reading →

Forklift and material handling information is constantly shared or posted through dozens of sources. Websites, blogs, newsletters, Twitter, G+, Facebook and more share company and industry news, product insights as well as operational and safety information. Much of what is posted is promotional in nature but a fair percentage is informational and of possible interest to a wide range of readers.

Every day we sift through dozens of posts and articles in order to refine what we share with others. Then each week just the top 10 posts [or so] that we feel are the most relevant based on newsworthiness are posted by us in this weekly summary.Continue reading →

Leasing that new forklift is a good option for business owners who need the use of a lift truck for more than a year, but aren’t interested in sinking large amounts of cash into purchasing a machine. While forklift leasing provides the ultimate in flexibility by allowing you to return the equipment at any time, it also has the highest costs. Forklift leasing, also known as a long-term rental, may not be as open-ended as a short-term rental, but you still maintain considerable flexibility while keeping costs down. This buying guide outlines the basics of leasing a forklift and includes pricing information to help you start budgeting. Continue reading →

Forklift and material handling information is constantly shared or posted through dozens of sources. Websites, blogs, newsletters, Twitter, G+, Facebook and more share company and industry news, product insights as well as operational and safety information. Much of what is posted is promotional in nature but a fair percentage is informational and of possible interest to a wide range of readers.

Every day we sift through dozens of posts and articles in order to refine what we share with others. Then each week just the top 10 posts [or so] that we feel are the most relevant based on newsworthiness are posted by us in this weekly summary.Continue reading →

Webster’s dictionary defines the forklift in this sentence: “A self-propelled machine for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load” Most of us know it as an indispensable piece of equipment that plays a large role in the supply chain the world over. While it may be indispensable, as a machine that operates in all conditions, and often near pedestrians its use doesn’t come without serious risk. Therefor forklift safety rules that are followed by well trained operators are critical in workplace safety.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule requiring training of powered industrial truck operators on December 1, 1998 (63 FR 66238, 29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, 1917, 1918 and 1926. The final rule was adopted on November 17, 1998). The new requirements apply to the use of powered industrial trucks in general industry, construction, shipyards, marine terminals and longshoring operations. They do not apply to agricultural operations.

In general, the rule requires employers to develop an operator training program that incorporates the basic principles of safe truck operation for the type of trucks being used in the workplace and recognizes the hazards in the workplace. The amount of time devoted to training and the method of training is to be determined by the operator’s demonstrated ability to operate the truck safely. Each operator’s performance must be evaluated at least every three years and refresher training must be provided when needed.

Forklift and material handling information is constantly shared or posted through dozens of sources. Websites, blogs, newsletters, Twitter, G+, Facebook and more share company and industry news, product insights as well as operational and safety information. Much of what is posted is promotional in nature but a fair percentage is informational and of possible interest to a wide range of readers.

Every day we sift through dozens of posts and articles in order to refine what we share with others. Then each week just the top 10 posts [or so] that we feel are the most relevant based on newsworthiness are posted by us in this weekly summary.Continue reading →

Forklift and material handling information is constantly shared or posted through dozens of sources. Websites, blogs, newsletters, Twitter, G+, Facebook and more share company and industry news, product insights as well as operational and safety information. Much of what is posted is promotional in nature but a fair percentage is informational and of possible interest to a wide range of readers.

Every day we sift through dozens of posts and articles in order to refine what we share with others. Then each week just the top 10 posts [or so] that we feel are the most relevant based on newsworthiness are posted by us in this weekly summary.Continue reading →

Wikipedia tells us that a warehouse is a commercial building for storage of goods. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, etc. They are usually large plain buildings in industrial areas of cities, towns and villages.

In a warehouse, minimizing the working aisle width and maximizing throughput allows the best possible utilization of bulk storage and picking profiles, with in the same environment, using the same truck.

It is critical to correctly plan the interfaces between rack and forklift trucks including all relevant safety distances and racking clearances. The project management of these interfaces are vital for the success of a project.

Forklift and material handling information is constantly shared or posted through dozens of sources. Websites, blogs, newsletters, Twitter, G+, Facebook and more share company and industry news, product insights as well as operational and safety information. Much of what is posted is promotional in nature but a fair percentage is informational and of possible interest to a wide range of readers.

Every day we sift through dozens of posts and articles in order to refine what we share with others. Then each week just the top 10 posts [or so] that we feel are the most relevant based on newsworthiness are posted by us in this weekly summary.Continue reading →

With a wide range of maintenance checks that need to be performed on all forklifts, it can be easy to allow some part of your equipment fall out of OSHA or ANSI compliance. One aspect of fork inspection that can sometimes slip between the cracks is ensuring that forks are maintained appropriately in compliance with ANSI 56B (updated in May 2017).

In order to complete the appropriate checks and maintain fork compliance, you’ll need to make appropriate use of a fork caliper. This device can be used in three important ways to help you measure fork deviations and get the appropriate information to make sure you’re following the ANSI standard.

Fork Inspection: Check Fork Angle

Click to see full size

The Fork angle deviation must be within a margin of 3 degrees. That means that the angle between the blade and the shank must be between 87 and 93 degrees. To use the caliper to check this, open it and place it between the plate and shank so that all four protrusions are touching. The angle can be read using the marking on the caliper. Any fork angle that falls outside of the degree range must be tagged out until the forks are replaced.

Fork Inspection: Check Fork Hooks

Click to see full size

The numbers on the end of the caliper indicate the forklift classes. Use the appropriate protrusion to check if the fork hooks are in compliance. Simply place the protrusion into the hook notch. If the hook hits the back of the caliper, it is out of compliance. If it does not, then the forks are fine for continued use. The fork to the right is in compliance.

Fork Inspection: Check Fork Blade Wear

Click to see full size

Begin by setting the caliper by the thickness of the shank. Place the caliper onto the blade at the point of the fork that receives the most wear, which is usually at its heel, as shown. If the blade passes the inside teeth of the caliper, then the fork is out compliance and must be tagged out until forks are replaced.

How to Use Forklift Fork Calipers

We would enjoy hearing from you. Post your ideas or comments below, let’s start a dialog.

We would welcome the opportunity to cover your material handling questions or concerns. Toyota Lift of Minnesota works very hard to be your partner, and material handling consultant. You can also use our contact form below!